Grow Collard Greens In Your Garden This Year

Growing Collard Greens

Have you tried growing collard greens? They're a staple in my garden every year. These leafy greens are not just nutrient-packed but also incredibly resilient and easy to grow.

Why Choose Collard Greens?

Collard greens are one of the most cold-tolerant leafy greens. They can survive frost and even taste better after a light freeze. Plus, they are packed with vitamins A, C, and K.

A fun fact: Collards belong to the Brassica family, which makes them relatives of kale, cabbage, and broccoli. So if you’ve had success with those, you’ll likely do well with collards too.

Getting Started with Seeds

You can start your collards from seeds or transplants. I've always found that starting from seeds offers the best variety. You can direct-sow your seeds in the garden about four to six weeks before the last frost date in spring.

1. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
2. Keep the soil consistently moist.
3. Thin the seedlings to one plant every 18-24 inches once they are a few inches tall.

One year, I tried spacing them closer just to see what would happen. They grew, sure, but the crowded plants were less vigorous and more prone to pests. Lesson learned.

Soil and Sunlight

These greens thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. I usually add compost before planting to enrich the soil. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. They also love full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

My garden gets about six hours of sunlight, and that seems to be the sweet spot. Too much shade, and they get leggy.

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistency is key. Collards need about 1.5 inches of water per week. I usually rely on rain but keep a hose handy just in case.

As for fertilizing, a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer works well. I fertilize every three to four weeks. Once, I overdid it with nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and while the leaves were lush, they tasted bitter. Balance is crucial.

Pest Control

Pests like aphids and cabbage worms can be a nuisance. Neem oil works great for aphid control. Handpicking worms early in the morning is effective too. Diatomaceous earth is my go-to for slug control.

“Organic solutions like neem oil and diatomaceous earth are effective and safe for your garden ecosystem.”

Harvesting Tips

The best part of growing collard greens is the harvest. Start picking the outer leaves when they are about 10 inches long. Leave the central bud to keep producing more leaves.

Last year, I let a few plants overwinter, and they bounced back stronger in spring. An unexpected bonus!

Uses in the Kitchen

Collards are versatile in the kitchen. They can be sautéed, steamed, or added to soups. Their sturdy leaves make excellent wraps for a healthy, low-carb meal.

One of my favorite recipes is a simple garlic and chili sauté. It’s quick, easy, and brings out the natural flavor of the greens.

So, give collard greens a try this year. They are easy to grow, nutritious, and add a lovely touch of green to your garden and plate.

Growing collard greens is a great way to increase your access to fresh, nutrient-rich food in your own home. From soups and salads to side dishes and entrées, collard greens can be used in a variety of ways to boost the nutritional content of your meals. Plus growing them will not only save you money but will provide you with the satisfaction of providing sustainable, healthy and tasty food for your family and friends! So why wait? Get growing collard greens today!